Discuss the causes of either the Falklands/Malvinas War (1982) or the Gulf War (1991).

Candidates are expected to offer a considered and balanced review of a range of factors, which could be long and short term. These could include religious, economic, strategic and political themes. Candidates may weigh up causes against each other to determine those that were the most significant.

Indicative content

Falklands/Malvinas War (1982)

• The Argentines underestimated the resolve of the British government to retain control of the Islands, as closure of the British base on South Georgia had been announced, as had the withdrawal of the South Atlantic research vessel HMS Endurance.
• The trigger for the war was Argentine landings on South Georgia and the Falklands Islands/Islas Malvinas.
• A fundamental cause was the disputed title to the Falklands/Malvinas. The Argentines argued that the British case rested on colonial ideology, while the British claimed that Argentine actions were in violation of international law.
• US and UN mediation between the UK and Argentina failed; the British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was unwilling to compromise, while the Argentines believed that the British would find it very difficult to fight a war at such a huge distance.
• There may be discussion of the influence of the leading personalities: Thatcher and General Galtieri, both of whom arguably wanted a quick victory to improve popularity and divert attention from domestic problems.

Gulf War (1991)

• Kuwait had been part of Basra province during the period of the British mandate, and Iraqis regarded it as rightfully theirs.
• The war with Iran had left Iraq heavily indebted to Kuwait. Iraq became increasingly angry at Kuwaiti overproduction of oil, leading to depressed prices and difficulties in paying off Iraqi debt.
• Iraq had protested against Kuwaiti exploitation of the Rumaila oilfield, claiming that Kuwaiti drilling was under Iraqi territory. The dispute over compensation was the trigger for the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
• There had been long-term friction between the US and Iraq during the Cold War. Iraq had been in the Soviet camp, and its support for the Palestinians was unacceptable to the US.
• In the years leading up to the Gulf War, there was increasing friction between Iraq and its neighbours leading to fear of encirclement. Iraqi isolation meant the US was able to form a coalition that included Arab states. 
• It may be argued that the West would not have become involved had it not been for their dependence on Middle East oil, the supply of which was threatened by Saddam’s aggression.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]